Karela is one of the healthiest vegetables in the food kingdom. It is full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It can be eaten as a vegetable, pickle, or as a juice. There are many benefits of regular consumption of bitter gourd. Let us look at some of the health benefits of karela.
Nutritional Value of Karela
- Bitter gourd or Karela is low in calories. 100 grams of bitter gourd gives about 19 calories of energy. Around 3.5 grams of carbohydrates and 2.4 grams of fibre are present in 100 grams of karela while it contains only 150 mg of fats and 930 mg of proteins. It also has a high water content of 87 grams
- Karela is rich in vitamin A and vitamin C. Minerals like potassium, folate, zinc, and iron are also present in karela
- Antioxidants like catechin, gallic acid, epicatechin, and chlorogenic acid are obtained from karela, which helps to keep us free from many diseases
- Good for Diabetics
Bitter gourd has a compound that functions similarly to insulin. In fact, ‘Karela and diabetes’ are often coined together! It reduces blood glucose levels. Consuming a glass of karela juice is so effective that diabetes patients need to reduce the dosage of their medicines.
- Good for the Skin and Hair
Karela is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which are good for the skin. It reduces aging and fights acne and skin blemishes. It is useful in treating various skin infections like itching. Karela juice adds luster to the hair and combats dandruff, hair loss, and split-ends.
- Liver Cleanser
Bitter gourd is liver friendly and detoxifies. It boosts the liver enzymes and is a good cure for a hangover as it reduces alcohol deposits on the liver. Bladder and the gut also benefit from consuming karela.
- Good for Digestion
Karela is full of fibre and helps improve bowel movement. It relieves constipation and settles the stomach.
- Improves Cardiac Health
Bitter gourd reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) and decreases the risk of suffering a heart attack. The fibre also helps to unclog the arteries.
- Combats Cancer
Karela boosts immunity and prevents allergies and infections. But its most significant benefit is that it fights cancer. It works against cancer cells proliferation and stops tumour formation. The risk of breast, colon and prostate cancer is significantly reduced after regular consumption of bitter gourd.
- Weight Management
Karela aids in weight loss as it is low in calories and fiber-rich. It stops the formation and growth of adipose cells, the ones that store fat in the body. It improves metabolism, and the antioxidants help detoxify the body leading to the reduction in fat.
